Alexandre Beauregard’s eponymous brand has joined forces with Vianney Halter for his first men’s category watch (although it can obviously be worn by anyone) called the Ulysse, produced in a limited edition of ten pieces.

With an 18kt rose gold case measuring 41mm with a water resistance of 30m, it has a domed sapphire crystal, a gold engraved case back in blue lacquer, and a crown set with an Aquamarine.

It’s obviously all about the dial, whose design is inspired by stained glass. The lead becomes 18kt rose gold lacework and the window glass is now sixty-eight pieces of hand-cut and hand-set Aquamarine on a mother-of-pearl disc, made in the Beauregard workshop and assembled in Switzerland.

In keeping with the rose gold of the dial and case, the off-set hands, which are curved to follow the curvature of the dial, are also rose gold. It’s all about curves on the dial, whether this be in the lace work or the circles on the hands, which are mirrored on the even-numbered hour markers.

Powering it is an automatic movement designed and made by Vianney Halter and decorated and finished by Beauregard. With a patented ‘invisible’ rotor, it beats at 21,600 VPH and has a power reserve of 56 hours. The calibre is made from maillechort aka nickel silver/ German silver, a copper alloy with nickel and often zinc, but not silver (the ‘silver’ name refers to its appearance).

This is a very attractive piece. It takes a moment to register the placement of the hands, as they are fashioned to blend into rather than contrast with, the dial, but easy legibility isn’t the priority, it’s about design. Partnering with Vianney Halter also brings some more visibility to the Beauregard brand, whose female-focused offerings have perhaps limited its brand awareness.

Coming on a chestnut alligator strap with a ‘quick release’ system and rose gold pin buckle, the Beauregard x Vianney Halter “Ulysse” has an RRP of CHF 110,000 excluding taxes.

Categories: Beauregard, Hands-on, Limited Editions, Vianney Halter, Watch Profile, watches, Watches & Wonders Geneva 2024